Revelation 1:14-15: 14And his head and the hairs were white as wool as snow, and his eyes as a flame of fire, 15and his feet like burnished bronze as from a refined furnace, and his voice as the sound of many waters.
John notices more about the special “one like a son of man” of the previous verses. No name has been given for this person, but the previous context makes it clear that it is Jesus (verses 1, 2, 5, 9). John notices four more aspects of Jesus in these verses. His white hair could represent purity and undefiledness. It is also the color of hair of those who are older and full of life’s wisdom. Moses’ face and head shone white after being in the presence of God (Exodus 34:29). Possible background for this image can be found in Daniel 7:9. Jesus’ eyes were like fire that penetrates and burns. Nothing can hide from his gaze, which should bring conviction and guilt to those living in sin. Possible background for this part of the vision comes from Daniel 10:6. His feet of burnished bronze were shiny and reflective, able to go anywhere needed. This image comes from Daniel 10:6. His voice was thunderous, like a mighty cascade or waterfall. Ezekiel 1:24 describes God with a similar sound of mighty waters. When near rushing water, it is difficult even to hear oneself talk. When Jesus talks, people must listen.
One theme that stands out in John’s account is that Jesus cannot be ignored. He can be rejected, but we must take notice of him when he appears to us. He will appear in many different ways to us: sometimes through people, events, the Bible, and even visions like what John experienced. When Jesus reveals himself to us, how will we respond?